At first glance LNZNDRF may look like a jumble of letters, but fans of The National and Beirut should immediately take note. It’s the new project of Scott and Bryan Devendorf of The National, and Ben Lanz of Beirut (he also plays with The National live). Together, the trio form LNZNDRF and like Matt Berninger did last year, they look to make a name for themselves in 2016.
The group will release their self-titled debut album via 4AD on February 19. It was recorded over two and a half days at a Cincinnati church, with songs improvised from the old spirit that made them want to make music in the first place,
They’ve given us a preview of what is to come with a set of three live songs from the album (it looks like they’re joined by Beirut’s Aaron Arntz live), and the results are rather stunning. “Beneath The Black Sea” sounds like it could have come from New Order or Joy Division, they dive into dream-laden psych territory that reminds of My Bloody Valentine at times with “Mt. Storm,” and the experimental “King Things” has a experimental world-influence that isn’t easy to pin down to just one idea or genre. It’s safe to say that LNZNDRF isn’t just a one-off solo project, but a fully formed idea ready to take over our minds.
Enjoy all three of the live performances posted below. The album is available to pre-order now, with a limited clear vinyl pressing still available. The band will make their NYC live debut at the Mercury Lounge on Saturday, March 5, with an early and late show.
“Beneath The Black Sea”
“Kind Things”:
Tour Dates:
2/19 – London, UK – Oslo
2/21 – Brussels, BE – Botanique–Rotonde
2/23 – Berlin, DE – Grüner Salon
2/25 – Berlin, DE – Kantine am Berghain
2/26 – Berlin, DE – Cassiopeia
3/5 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge (early show)
3/5 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge (late show)
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